NBA star Ariza starts philanthropic tour in China

Invited by the QSL Sports, the NBA star will attend a series of philanthropic activities in Wuhan, including playing basketball with his fans and teaching them skills of shooting and passing.

Last summer, the Rockets traded the volatile forward Ron Artest for Ariza with the Los Angeles Lakers, but the newcomer failed to make splash in the past season that saw the team out of the playoffs.

Ariza admitted that it was not good, "The past year is my first year with the Rockets so the pressure is high. I cannot say I can do what Tracy McGrady did, but I will bring my own passion and do my own job."

Ariza described his teammate Yao Ming as a passionate player who was eager to win. "We both share the same quality and we will have a good chance of winning in the next season."

He will leave Wuhan Thursday morning to continue his China tour in Changsha, Xiamen, Shenzhen and other cities.